Jo & Willys Depot

Time Out says

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Users say

Time Out says

4 out of 5 stars

Jo & Willys Depot - a project of Olympic sprinting legend Heather Turland with her son Guy (ex Est. and Icebergs) - is giving other local establishments a run for their money.

At first glance, Jo & Willys might appear to be a roadside garage sale peddling shabby-chic furniture, yet this rough'n'tumble pile of timber school desks, random dining chairs and fallen-from-grace church seats is really the place to pull up a pew and make yourself at home.

The guys here churn out a pretty decent latte and with a view this good, it's only fitting that the breakfast menu lasts all day. The pancakes are a local favourite, made from rice and tapioca flour rather than wheat. Served with mixed berries, these babies prove that gluten- and dairy-free can still taste good. And if you're ordering eggs, do yourself a favour - order them scrambled. They're made with free-range eggs and cream, served on sourdough toast and accompanied by an oven-roasted tomato.

Venture in a little later for a salad. Yellow fin tuna is grilled and served with avocado, oven roasted tomatoes, green pepper salsa and rocket - it'll make you feel healthier just by looking at it. The salsa is fresh and tangy and works well with the grilled tuna. The cow in question in the roast beef salad is organic (like all meat on the menu). Spice crusted on the outside and perfectly pink on the inside, it's served with roasted garlic, beetroot, caramelised onions, asparagus, rocket and baby spinach. The beef is tender, the greens crisp, the beetroot sweet and earthy, and it's finished with a balsamic glaze.

Complete lunch with a homemade berry and banana muffin - they're baked fresh each day and there are berries right down to the base. The result is like eating a tartly sweet tuft of cloud.

The venue moonlights as a dimly lit wine bar. If the current economic crisis has left you a little light in the pocket, you'll be happy to find cheap thrills in the form of five dollar house wine and beer specials.

Whether it's a morning coffee or an early evening vino, Jo & Willys delivers the quintessential Bondi experience: laid-back atmosphere, great food, friendly service and reliably good coffee.